Here I am again to usher in another year at the helm of the SIOR Foundation. Leadership has graciously given me the opportunity to serve a second term as its president, and I’m elated to see what we can accomplish in a more “normal” year.
The SIOR Foundation has an ambitious plan this year to increase our grants by nearly 25%. To help meet this goal, the Foundation has established a matching grant that, when partnered with university foundations and generous SIORs, will create sizeable scholarship endowments at some of the best real estate schools in North America. Look for more information on this program in the coming months.
Next summer, the SIOR Foundation will also continue its support of the Real Estate Executive Council’s REEX Summer Program. We are honored to be able to help fund this program that exposes diverse high school students to top universities and career opportunities in commercial real estate. We will continue our partnerships with SIOR, chapters, and regions, and are here to help provide funding for any and all education programs.
We kicked this fiscal year off with a successful Great Escape Giveaway during CREate 360 in Nashville! Thanks to our sponsors—Cabot Properties, Infinity Commercial Real Estate, and the Endura Advisory Group—we were able give away two prize packages valued at $5,000 each and still gross over $40,000 for the Foundation’s programs. The winners were Kevin Crowley, SIOR, of NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, and RJ Neary, SIOR, of Investors Realty. Thanks to our amazing travel agent, Angie Ohmes with Golden Cruise and Travel, I know you will both have a great trip!
I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Terry Smith, SIOR, and his wife, Jan, for hosting and supplying the wine for the SIOR Foundation’s Wine Tasting and Star Reception. Held every year at the CREate 360 conference, this event is our thank you to the Foundation’s supporters and “star” donors.
Thanks to the Smiths, this year’s reception was a huge success and enjoyed by all. A donation of $1,000 or more to the Foundation will secure your spot at next year’s reception, so if you don’t want to miss out on what we have planned for Dallas, donate by Aug. 31 to receive an invite!
There will be several opportunities this coming year to give back to the industry that has given so much to you: starting with the 2021 Phonathon. If you received a call from one of our dedicated Trustees and made a pledge, make sure to pay early to get your tax deduction! You can also add a donation to your SIOR dues payment. This is voluntary but very much appreciated.
For more information about the SIOR Foundation and its programs, please visit our website at www.siorfoundation.org or contact Corrine Nowak, Foundation Director at cnowak@sior.com.
Sincerely,
Albert McNeel, SIOR
210.366.2222
amcneel@endurasa.com